you foolish boy. Oh,
yes, how lovely. Trust me to back you up. What? Don't spoil things.
Well, I like that. Didn't I land you? That was 'some job,' as dear Nora
would say. You listen to me, Tom. You had better keep in the background.
Finesse is not your forte. Better leave these things to me. Hurry up
now. Oh, I am so excited."

Few women can resist an appeal for help from a husband. The
acknowledgment of the need of help on the part of the dominating partner
is in itself the most subtle flattery and almost always irresistible. No
woman can resist the opportunity to join in that most fascinating of
all sport--man-hunting. And when the man runs clear into the open wildly
seeking not escape from but an opening into the net, this only adds a
hazard and a consequent zest to the sport. Her husband's disclosures had
aroused in Sybil Waring-Gaunt not so much her sporting instincts, the
affair went deeper far than that with her. Beyond anything else in life
she desired at that time to bring together the two beings whom, next to
her husband, she loved best in the world. From the day that her brother
had arrived in the country she had desired this, and more or less
aggressively had tried to assist Providence in the ordering of events.
But in Kathleen, with all her affection and all her sweet simplicity,
there was a certain shy reserve that prevented confidences in the matter
of her heart affairs.

"How far has the German got with her? That is what I would like to
know," said Mrs. Waring-Gaunt to herself as she hastily prepared for
the motor ride. "There's no doubt about him. Every one can see how he
stands, and he has such a masterful way with him that it makes one think
that everything is settled. If it is there is no chance for Jack, for
she is not the changing kind." Meantime she would hope for the best and
play the game as best she could.

"Would you mind running into the Gwynnes' as we pass, Tom?" said his
wife as they settled themselves in the car. "I have a message for Nora."

"Righto!" said her husband, throwing his wife a look which she refused
utterly to notice. "But remember you must not be long. We cannot lose
the evening shoot, eh, what?"

"Oh, just a moment will do," said his wife.

At the door Nora greeted them. "Oh, you lucky people--guns and a dog,
and a day like this," she cried.

"Come along--lots of room--take my gun," said Mr. Waring-Gaunt.

"Don't tempt me, or I shall come."

"Tell us what is your